1,000 Attend New Jersey Conference's Convention, Teen Retreat

April 18, 2018 ∙ by vmbernard ∙ in New Jersey Conference

Story by New Jersey Conference Staff

More than 1,000 youth and leaders recently gathered at the newly remodeled gym of Tranquil Valley Retreat Center in Andover, N.J., to praise and worship at New Jersey Conference’s annual Youth Convention and Teen Retreat. The theme, “Generation 28:19,” focused on Matthew 28:19: “‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’”

Paulo Macena, Youth Ministries director, explains, “We wanted to emphasize discipleship with our youth. We wanted them to understand that each one of them is responsible in sharing the news with their friends, at school, with their neighbors and through their social media. We want to see them involved in proclaiming the good news and being proud of being part of Generation 28:19.”

Leaders presented seminars, discussion panels and encouraged young adults to be true disciples of Jesus. The Youth Ministries leaders also received training to better serve in their local churches. “Guest speaker David McKenzie, Northeastern Conference Youth Ministries director, brought beautiful messages and encouraged the crowd to be part of Generation 28:19—a generation of power!” says Macena.